Happy Veterans Day from the RTA!

The RTA is proud to work with Pace, Metra, and CTA to recognize and honor Military Veterans today and every day. Our Military Service Fare Program is one way the transit community shows our thanks and appreciation for their service. If you are active duty, a veteran, or know a veteran, here’s what you need to know about our program.

Who Qualifies for Free or Reduced Fare Rides?

Free or reduced fare rides are available for qualifying military personnel in the RTA’s service region of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. The free or reduced fare rides are provided on fixed-route service by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace Suburban Bus.

Qualifications vary among transit providers. Please view the transit provider you are using for the applicable conditions.

CTA

CTA allows active duty U.S. military personnel and veterans who have a qualifying service-connected disability to ride CTA for free. Pace and Metra allow active duty military personnel to ride at a reduced rate. Please see the qualifications for each transit provider listed below:

Who is eligible for the CTA Military Service Pass?

Chicago area active duty military personnel and actively drilling members of the National Guard and Reserves who possess an Armed Forces ID card, or a member of the Coast Guard with appropriate identification.

Chicago area veterans with a disability who have a qualifying service-connected disability and can provide proof they are:

Receiving U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (USDVA) disability compensation of 10% or greater; OR
2. Receiving military disability retirement pay in lieu of USDVA compensation at a rate of 10% or greater.

How do military personnel and veterans ride free on CTA?

Military personnel who are in uniform should see the rail station Customer Assistant or Bus Operator for a free ride.

Qualifying Chicago-area veterans with a disability, and active duty military personnel not in uniform, must present a valid CTA Military Service Pass (MSP) to ride free on CTA buses and trains. MSP is not valid on Pace or Metra.

I am retired from the military and do not have a service-related disability. Am I eligible for a Military Service Pass?

No. Only active duty military personnel and veterans who have a qualifying service-connected disability are eligible for the CTA Military Service Pass.

How do I get a CTA Military Service Pass?

Go to the Ventra Service Center with your Armed Forces I.D. and/or proof of compensation (dated within the last 12 months) if you are receiving disability retirement pay of 10% or greater.